2020 The Penn Writer - Pennwriters Newsletter - May/June 2020 by The Penn Writer

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the Newsletter of PeNNwrIters INc. MAY/JUNe 2020 • Vol. XXIX No. 3

2020 Pennwriters Conference is on Haitus - Join us next year Due to unprecedented events gripping our nation, we are unable to move forward with the 33rd Annual Pennwriters Conference at the DoubleTree Resort in Lancaster this May. We are heartbroken that we won’t be able to assemble Pennwriters and guests for a weekend of learning and networking. We had an amazing conference planned for you with outstanding keynotes, faculty and agents. We thank all of you for your interest in the event and hope to connect with you at Pennwriters Presents on Facebook, during our online classes, and at the 2021 Pennwriters Conference in Pittsburgh next May.

Join us MAY 16 for a free, virtual event on the Pennwriters Facebook page Pennwriters AnnuAl GenerAl MeetinG And MAy MAdness When: Saturday, May 16, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Where: Online, Pennwriters Facebook event The PW Annual General meeting will include elections results and announce the winners of the 2020 Pennwriters Annual Writing Contest.

A free, virtual Pennwriters event with meditation for writers, mini-classes to guide writers through the pandemic, and Q&A with industry experts. Submit your questions for Susan Meier and Jonathan Maberry on the Pennwriters Facebook page. 9:00 a.m. 2:30 - 2:45 p.m. 3:00 - 3:15 p.m. 3:30 - 3:45 p.m. 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Meditation with Madhu Bazaz Wangu More Time to Read During the Pandemic? Techniques to Read Like a Writer with Tamara Girardi Taking the Conversation Online: Connecting with Readers in a Remote World with Stephanie Keyes Finding the inspiration to write if you’re overwhelmed by the pandemic with Brent Maguire Q&A with Susan Meier, hosted by Vicki Fisher Q&A with Jonathan Maberry, hosted by Leslie Tobin Smeltz

President’s Column The world has changed beyond recognition since our last newsletter. As Pennwriters, we come from all walks of life. We write all genres, for all ages, for regional, specialist, and for national audiences. But as beautifully diﬀerent as we are, there is no doubt that the global pandemic has impacted us in practical, financial, and emotional ways.

hilary hauck, Area 4 PresIDeNt

Pennwriters AnnuAl GenerAl MeetinG And MAy MAdness

This is an online event, but registration is not required. When: Saturday, May 16, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Where: Facebook Presents* The PW Annual General meeting will include elections results and announce the winners of the 2020 Pennwriters Annual Writing Contest. Visit www.Pennwriters.org for details.

NotIce: Publication herein of articles, interviews, and news concerning markets, contests, seminars, classes, etc., does not imply an endorsement, recommendation or any warranty given by Pennwriters, Inc. readers are urged to determine for themselves the reliability, integrity, and financial responsibility of those with whom they deal. The contents of this newsletter are copyrighted ©2020 by Pennwriters, Inc. All rights are reserved. Permission to photocopy is expressly denied. All rights revert to individual authors immediately upon publication. Any time you change your mailing address or email address, please notify Jackie shaffmaster at treasurer@Pennwriters.org. we thank you in advance for helping to keep our member roster current.

When news of the pandemic first broke, we looked into special measures we could take to protect Conference attendees, such as handwashing stations in the dining halls. The situation became more serious by the day, and it was not long before we understood that gatherings would not be permitted any time soon—certainly not by May. Though the decision was beyond our control, it was no small thing to announce we would not host the Annual Pennwriters Conference in what would have been our 34th consecutive year. I shall very much miss being physically close and finding solace and support among you all at the Annual Pennwriters Conference. I will miss making my last address to you as president in person. I will also miss the opportunity of thanking board members in person. I’ve been so blessed with having a front seat to witness how they pour expertise, passion, and time into the work they do to deliver the Pennwriters mission to our members. It’s been such an honor and a pleasure to work with each and every one of them. Our 2020 Conference Co-Coordinators, Ayleen Gontz and Leslie Tobin Smeltz, deserve special mention. The task of organizing a large, multifaceted conference like ours is a mammoth task at the best of times. This year, Ayleen and Leslie already had their work cut out for them with a new hotel, a new website, and new Conference registration system, only to then find themselves monitoring the unfolding pandemic and health guidelines that appeared to change by the hour. When our path at last became clear, their work was not done. They still had to make announcements, inform faculty, and make sure all registration fees were refunded. Special thanks also to Jackie Shaﬀmaster, Stephanie Claypool, and Lori Foster for their help. We are so fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers working for the benefit of us all, just as we are fortunate to have been able to build on more than three decades of teams hosting the Annual Pennwriters Conference. I have every confidence we will return next year, stronger than ever. And through the haze of grim news, there are things we can be grateful for, and there are glimmers of hope. next page

the PeNN wrIter • May/June 2020 • www.pennwriters.org

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We, as storytellers, are able to document these uncharted times. We have stories of hope we can share with others. People are turning to art, including writing, for sustenance and comfort. We are finding new ways to connect, to share knowledge, to support each other. Perhaps we are even becoming bolder and more forthright in our communications, understanding the importance of letting others know why and how we appreciate them. At Pennwriters also, we are welcoming changes that will usher in a fresh wave of thought and approach, headed by our incoming president, Sue Gourley. I’m so grateful to Sue for her willingness to serve at the helm, and for her outstanding work as secretary these past years. I have every confidence she will steer Pennwriters fearlessly into ever-brighter waters. I’m immensely grateful also to Bobbi Carducci, our vice president, for continuing to serve. Bobbi has been a constant support system, source of knowledge and insight, and a friend—to me and to all of you. I’ll miss our partnership very much. Immense thanks to Sandy Bush for her cheerful and inspiring service as Area 5 Rep, and for taking on a new appointment as secretary. Immense thanks and welcome also to new board members: Rob Teplitz, our new Area 5 Rep, and Fritze Roberts, our new Bylaws Chair. Alas, it is also time to say farewell to two board members who have served Pennwriters for many years. This is the very last newsletter to be edited by Heather Desuta. Heather has done an outstanding job delivering a professional newsletter—one of the best-loved benefits of being a Pennwriters member, as well as stunning Conference graphics. Jean Jenkins, our Bylaws Chair—or as we prefer to call her: “Jean, the Bylaws Queen”—has kept us aligned with rules and regulations, answering questions and providing guidance any time we ask, and from any place in the world, and she has been a constant support in countless areas of Pennwriters business. I thank you both immensely and wish you the very best in your future endeavors. And I thank you, members, for giving me the honor of serving you these past years. Representing such a talented writing community that never hesitates to pay it forward has brought me endless reward. Friends, colleagues, I hope you and your loved ones stay well, and I hope you are able to write and create and inspire. I can’t wait to see you again in person, whenever and wherever that may be.

Board of Directors President Hilary Hauck, 814-659-6191 President@Pennwriters.org Vice President Bobbi Carducci 540-338-5064 & 540-903-6831 VicePresident@Pennwriters.org Secretary Susan Gourley Secretary@Pennwriters.org Treasurer Jackie Shaffmaster, 570-878-7056 Treasurer@Pennwriters.org Author Advocate Ayleen Gontz, 717-359-9279 AuthorAdvocate@Pennwriters.org Acting Webmaster Susan Fobes Webmaster@Pennwriters.org Newsletter Editor Heather Desuta, 412-337-6966 Newsletter@Pennwriters.org 2020 Conference Coordinators Leslie Tobin Smeltz and Ayleen Gontz ConferenceCoordinator@Pennwriters.org Interim Public Relations Chair Suzanne Mattaboni PublicRelations@Pennwriters.org Bylaws Chair Jean Jenkins, 814-774-0557 BylawsChair@Pennwriters.org Online Courses Coordinator Dan Arndt OnlineCoordinator@Pennwriters.org Internet Activities Coordinator open position Pennwriters Presents Coordinator Dan Arndt, 814-442-4876 PennwritersPresents@Pennwriters.org Election Chair Dave Freas ElectionChair@Pennwriters.org Annual Writing Contest Coordinator D.J. Stevenson WritingContestCoordinator@Pennwriters.org Coordinator of Area Reps (CAR) Annette Dashofy CAR@Pennwriters.org AREA 1 Rep: Todd Main 814-459-8752, Area1Rep@Pennwriters.org AREA 2 Rep: Lori Foster Area2Rep@Pennwriters.org AREA 3 Rep: Stephanie Claypool Area3Rep@Pennwriters.org

Pennwrite on! -Hilary

AREA 4 Rep: Jenn Diamond Area4Rep@Pennwriters.org AREA 5 Rep: Rob Teplitz 717-329-3101, Area5Rep@Pennwriters.org

Pennwriters Online website: www.pennwriters.org facebook Groups: Pennwriters; Pennwriters Annual conference Join the Pennwriters linkedIn group and follow us on twitter and Instagram.

the PeNN wrIter • May/June 2020 • www.pennwriters.org

AREA 6 Rep: Suzanne Mattaboni Area6Rep@Pennwriters.org AREA 7 Rep: Terry Friedman 610-331-2558 & 843-236-8189 Area7Rep@Pennwriters.org 3

Pennwriters Member News & Accomplishments to shAre YoUr MeMBer News, email Newsletter@Pennwriters.org with “Pennwriter submission” in the subject line. Please include your Pennwriters Area # in the message.

On June 9, Area 7 Michael Bradley will release DeAD AIR, his third suspense novel. Kaitlyn Ashe is a top-rated radio DJ with a childhood secret she has worked hard to bury. But when she starts receiving cryptic threatening letters, she realizes that someone else knows about her past. Fraught with guilt and shame over her past deeds, Kaitlyn’s life begins to unravel as the letters turn dangerous, threatening her and those she loves. When the threats lead to murder, Kaitlyn has no choice but to trust Detective Rodney Shapiro for protection and to help her find a killer. As the truth of her past life begins to emerge, Kaitlyn spirals toward a terrifying reunion at the one place where she hoped she'd never have to return: The Shallows. For information, visit: www.mbradleyonline.com. Find him on Facebook (mjbradley88) and on Twitter @mjbradley88.

Area 7 Cindy Callaghan’s SALTWATeR SeCReTS is now available. (Another announcement will be forthcoming, regarding a major studio!) From the acclaimed author of JuST ADD MAGIC—now a hit streaming original series— comes a story of two sisters, one summer vacation, and one big mystery for them to solve. Stella and Josie live for their summers at the boardwalk— each one a carbon copy of the last. Josie lives in Australia most of the year; her half-sister, Stella, lives in New Jersey. But every year, they come together for a beach vacation with their dad, and to make more memories. The real excitement for them 4

is their secret special place under the boardwalk, where they hide their sister scrapbook, adding memories from each summer. But this summer feels diﬀerent. Josie isn’t the same— she’s turned into one of the popular girls that Stella can’t stand. Despite the rocky start to their vacation, they still go to their secret, special place under the boardwalk, adding memories to their sister scrapbook once again.That is, until their place is discovered by the owners of the newest store— the Smoothie Factory, which replaced Josie’s favorite sweet spot. Not only have the owners of the Smoothie Factory discovered the cove, they are exploiting the natural habitat, and endangering marine life and everyone at the beach! It’s up to Josie and Stella to figure out how to stop their beloved boardwalk from disappearing for good. For information, visit: www.cindycallaghan.com.

TIL DeATH is the 10th book in the Zoe Chambers mystery series by Area 3’s Annette Dashofy. When a murder conviction from Chief Pete Adams’ earliest days with the Vance Township Police Department is overturned, he and County Detective Wayne Baronick are assigned to re-open the investigation. The task becomes increasingly complex as Pete begins to question the suspect’s guilt. Did Pete put his personal feelings of betrayal ahead of his quest for justice by locking up an innocent man? Or is the defendant as devious as Pete has long believed? Meanwhile Zoe Chambers, Monongahela County’s new chief deputy coroner, struggles to balance the burdens of the new job with planning her upcoming wedding. The search to find someone to walk her down the aisle becomes a search to find a murderer when she’s faced with a pair of mysterious deaths, including one near and dear to her heart. What she discovers could link her new cases with Pete’s old one and make her the target of a killer determined to keep her from getting to the church on time... or alive. next page

the PeNN wrIter • May/June 2020 • www.pennwriters.org

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Area 3 Ron Scala’s horror novel THe DeMON OF THe SHADOWS will be released June 15.

TIL DeATH will be available in all formats on June 16. Annette is the uSA Today Best Selling Author of the Zoe Chambers Mysteries. FAIR GAMe was a 2019 Agatha nominee for Best Contemporary Novel, and uNDeR THe RADAR (9th in the series) is available now. For information, visit: www.annettedashofy.com. Find her on Facebook (annette.dashofy) and on Twitter @Annette_Dashofy. Area 5 Carrie Jacobs released her debut novel, DRuNk ON A PLANe. Those little bottles of airplane liquor add up fast. Eric Caretti discovers this while drowning his relief on the way to his destination wedding. Alone. Sort of. He hadn't counted on his cheating ex-bride-to-be's (bride-tohave-been's?) cousin being there to help get his drunk self to the cruise ship. Megan Prescott jumps at the chance to photograph her cousin’s cruise wedding. It's the perfect opportunity to build her travel portfolio... and put some distance between her and her anxious, controlling mother. The last thing she expects is to spend ten days at sea with her cousin's jilted groom. Megan and Eric reluctantly spend their days together, swimming with dolphins, exploring Mayan ruins, and becoming friends. Just friends. Because anything more would be inappropriate. Right? For information, visit carriejacobsauthor.com or find her on Facebook (writercarriejacobs).

“...a totally fresh take on possession... creepy in the way that the evil works in a subtle way so that no one really knows that the demon even exists... Excellent novel.” -Mary Gordon (NET GALLEY Reviewer) Rating: 5 / 5 stars

When his ex-wife, Margot, asks to meet for dinner, Nick’s life has long been in a downward spiral. Plagued by hallucinations and voices that he attributes to his rather liberal use of alcohol, he is soon to discover something far more sinister is at play. Through brilliant research, Margot has discovered that both she and Nick have been possessed by a demon known only to a seventeenth century Indian tribe. She tells Nick of how the creature slips unnoticed through time and space and orchestrates its victims to enact hideous acts of violence upon loved ones and neighbors and that she and Nick are being beckoned. Its calling is inexorable, its powers of illusion commanding. Their only hope to break the spell is an obscure tribal rite discovered by Margot with the help of a discredited college professor and a tribal medicine man. But, before they can fully enact a plan, Margot disappears with their daughter Marissa, lost in the autumn festivals of Clarion. Nick follows, only to fall into the creature’s trap where, in a pitch-dark railroad tunnel, he makes his final stand against the beast.

Open Position: Newsletter Editor of The Penn Writer We are looking for a Newsletter editor for The Penn Writer. For details on what this Board position entails, please email Heather Desuta at thepennwriter@gmail.com or President@Pennwriters.org.

Open Position: Internet Activities Coordinator We are looking for a volunteer to join the Pennwriters Board as Online Courses Coordinator. For details on what the position entails, please email President@Pennwriters.org. the PeNN wrIter • May/June 2020 • www.pennwriters.org

Part Three: Organizing for Article Writing BY DIANe heleNtJArIs, AreA 7

Ben Franklin—who, now that I think about it, was the original Penn Writer—supposedly said, “For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is gained.” Savvy Ben’s saying applies well to writing articles. By keeping the moving parts in order as you write an article, you can please not only the reader, but also your editor and yourself. Organization can bring you a breath of creative air, space, and fun. You can avoid sweating while the midnight oil sputters. Writing compelling articles involves gathering information, distilling it, and often arranging for illustrations. For instance, writing an article about the wine industry in Virginia could include telephone and in-person interviews. You might pick the brains of those who pick the grapes, make the wine, sell it, and drink it. Maybe you’d draw in an expert from the state agricultural department. You might take a few photographs yourself or have a friend do so. You’d also need to bone up on background information. Maybe there’s an upcoming wine festival to attend or a winery to check out. Taking the time to determine what needs done and the best time to do it can make the difference between an excellent article you enjoy writing and a stressful experience. Here are a few suggestions to help you organize your article writing: • Identify the least controllable tasks. Schedule and do them as early as possible. For instance, if you are writing an article about a historic garden only open on weekends, call ahead to double-check availability, and get that visit out of the way. You don’t want to be down to the wire and find you have only one day to do this—the day your child breaks out in a rash. Most interviews should be scheduled as early as possible in the writing process. Not only will this help assure you interview the critical people for your article, but you will also have time to follow up on the leads they’ll give you. Interviews almost always lead to new research or additional interviews or opportunities. If you wait till the end of your process, you won’t have time to schedule any follow-up work. You should approach article writing with an open mind and be ready to learn new, unexpected things. Remember, your best articles are going to show your readers something they don’t already know. unless you’re a subject-matter expect, you’ll also learn things along the way. Be openminded and ready for the unexpected by getting your interviews and site visits out of the way early. Weather is a challenge and can ruin your site visit plans. If you are going to take or arrange photographs for your article, the weather can be your biggest friend or a real pain. Get out there early, before the hurricane. You can always do a second visit if, for instance, a lovely snowfall creates the perfect backdrop for your shot of sled dogs. 6

Some activities—like interviews with a government official or a visit to a youth treatment facility—may require special permission. Those can take time. Plan for that. • Identify low-key activities. Writing articles also includes a number of relatively easy-but-necessary tasks. examples could be reading and taking notes on articles for background knowledge or scanning postcards for illustrations. Do these when you are having an “off ” day or time. • Know your optimum times and settings for productivity. every writer has their own rhythm. know when you are best at creative work and set those times aside for actually writing and revising your article. If you have a special place (or coffee mug) that helps you do good work, use them. • Let your writing breathe. Stop writing after your first draft and let your work rest. Wait at least overnight before you revise it. By taking a break, you’ll see more opportunities to improve your work. • Take advantage of your available tools and resources. You can maximize what you’ve already purchased (your phone, computer, and software) by spending time learning more about their bells and whistles. Look up those user manuals. Build in redundancy to help guarantee you stay on track. For example, I schedule my work on a wall calendar, my phone, and in a folder on my computer, lessening the risk of missing a deadline. Consider using additional writers’ tools. You might like to use Trello (www.Trello.com) to create online versions of boards, lists, and sticky notes. Trello has a free version. Scrivener (www.literatureandlatte.com) offers writers a robust means of keeping facts at hand and offers has a free trial. You can find other online aids. Whether you use virtual aids or old school ring binders, making the effort to keep your workflow and information organized will enhance your article writing experience.

the PeNN wrIter • May/June 2020 • www.pennwriters.org

Writer, Protect Those Eyes BY toDD MAIN, AreA 1 reP

I must confess. I had been a total failure when considering my eye health. Sight awareness came to my attention when I read stories written by Amy Bovaird, one of my phenomenal Area 1 members. Amy has battled Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), an evil, sight-stealing monster, for years. Her light-handed yet informative stories about maintaining a normal life, let alone a successful writing career, taught me that I’d been taking my eyesight for granted. When I finally went for my long-neglected eye exam, the optometrist said I had cataracts forming. What?! I couldn’t believe it. None of my family members had ever developed them. The doctor asked if I used a computer and spent a lot of time on the cell phone. He explained that both are main culprits for vision issues today. Working as a technical writer during the day and posing as a novelist at night, I had to confess to spending many hours on the computer. Since I do not own a phone, at least I was saved from that worry. With this diagnosis, coupled with Amy’s stories, I decided to do something to slow down the damage. I believe the suggestions that follow will also help everyone. Writers, protect your eyes. First, take breaks from those screens. If you usually write in segments that last an hour or so, set a timer for regular intervals between 20 and 25 minutes. When it sounds, get up from your device and take a break. Now, that doesn’t mean you abandon your writing or research for Facebook, email, or twitter. Instead, play with your pet, stretch, go for a short walk, or complete one or more of the suggested eye exercises mentioned below. Most optometrists recommend the 20-20-20 rule designed by the California optometrist Jeﬀrey Anshel. every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. According to the American Optometric Association, it takes that long for your eyes to completely relax. This may help prevent blepharitis (aka, eyelid inflammation), Digital eye Strain (asthenopia), or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Not enough blinking and bad lighting add to eye strain. This malady can lead to glaucoma. Since The Vision Council reports that 32% of adults experience eye strain from computer use, which also can cause dry eyes and blurred vision, that would surely apply to writers. We need to protect our eyes.

Second, do regular sight exercises. Think of your eyes as muscles, and, like your other muscles, they can become sore or strained if held in one position too long. Most of us suﬀer from fatigued and overworked eyes. Why? We look at electronic screens for work, communication, and entertainment. This strikes close to home. After working all day on a computer, I relax by either watching movies or playing video games. (Oh, I do also write—really.) A break for my brain maybe, but definitely not for my poor orbs. What exercises are recommended: • Palming – Rub your clean palms together to warm them, then place palms over your closed eyelids. Let the warmth from your hands help relax your eyes. Do this until the heat has been absorbed. • Blinking – Blink your eyes every four to five seconds to help them stay lubricated. We average 12 blinks per minute, but when using a computer, that rate can drop to five blinks. The primary cause of computer-induced eye strain is from lack of blinking. Are your eyes feeling scratchy or dried out? Blink. Blink again. • Eye Moving – Fixed eye position is another computerinduced eye strain. Take a quick break and close your eyelids. Slowly move eyes upward and then downward. Repeat three times. Next move them to the left and then right. Repeat three times. Open your eyes and scan your area. Try it now. Did you enjoy your eye massage? You just lubricated your eyes and helped ease your eye strain. • Scanning – Professional baseball players use this method to help improve focus on the pitched ball. Sit back and switch looking from your screen to objects farther away. Most people focus entirely on their monitors. You want to keep your eyes in constant, deliberate motion, and visually capture all your surroundings. Take a break and focus on something other than your screen for at least one minute. Writers, you have many stories to birth and a long life to enjoy this great planet. Give your eyes a break by following these easy recommendations. In the next issue I’ll discuss nutrition, so you can properly feed your eyes.

the PeNN wrIter • May/June 2020 • www.pennwriters.org

Tough times never last, but tough people do. –roBert h. schUller

Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice. –wAYNe DYer

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained. –MArIe cUrIe

PHYSICAL MEETINGS ARE ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

todd Main • Area 1 representative 814-459-8752 • Area1rep@Pennwriters.org & todd_main@steris.com the following meetings are being held online: Meadville Vicinity Pennwriters (MVP) meets 1st saturday, 1-4 p.m. contact Janet wells at wellswoodjanet@gmail.com. erie Vicinity Pennwriters (eVP) Note two MeetINGs •Meets 2nd saturday, 1-4 p.m. •Meets 4th saturday, 1-4 p.m. for both, contact todd Main at todd_main@steris.com. fellowship of the Quill (fotQ) meets every thursday, 6:30-10 p.m. contact todd Main at todd_main@steris.com. saturday Night writes Meets every other saturday, 7-9 p.m. contact fritze roberts at fritzeroberts@gmail.com.

Area 2

PHYSICAL MEETINGS ARE ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

lori foster• Area 2 representative •Area2rep@Pennwriters.org

Area 4

PHYSICAL MEETINGS ARE ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Jenn Diamond • Area 4 representative Area4rep@Pennwriters.org the Inkwell (Altoona Area) is being held online. Meetings are held on the first tuesday of every month via Zoom beginning at 6 p.m. Upcoming guest speakers include author Abigail Drake (June 2) and author/writing coach stuart horwitz (July 7). email jennifer.d.diamond.writer@gmail.com.

WRITER’S TOOLBOX

Area 5

Marketing: Motivation Research shows motivation is comprised of three things: Reward, Desire, and Pain. They’re collectively called the Willpower equation. The more you feel you’ll be rewarded from your eﬀorts, the more motivated you’ll be to do it. The more you have a natural Desire and passion to do something, even if you weren’t rewarded for doing it—like writing—the more motivated you’ll be to do it. Yet, the more you perceive the task as a Pain to do, the less motivated you’ll be to do it. On average, perceived Pain can take away a fourth of your motivation. Therefore, increase your Reward for selling, employ more high-return marketing tactics you naturally Desire to do, and get rid of the negative thoughts and the perceived Pain of promoting your work. -from the book Strategic Marketing Made Easy For Writers: Optimize Your Promotions for Bestseller Results by Dr. Nate hardy, Area 6, available at Amazon.com.

Area 1

PHYSICAL MEETINGS ARE ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

sandra Bush • Area 5 representative Area5rep@Pennwriters.org harrisburg Area Group is being held online. critique structure: Provide 10 copies of up to 5 pages, double-spaced. All genres welcome. Meets 4th wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. contact carrie Jacobs at carrieinpa@gmail.com or facebook.com/4thwednesday.

Area 6

PHYSICAL MEETINGS ARE ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

suzanne Mattaboni • Area 6 representative •Area6rep@Pennwriters.org

Area 7

PHYSICAL MEETINGS ARE ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

terry friedman • Area 7 representative 610-331-2558 • Area7rep@Pennwriters.org Blue ridge Group (Virginia) is being held online. Meetings include critique on request, sharing resources, writing exercises and discussion. Meets 2nd & 4th wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. contact Bobbi at VicePresident@Pennwriters.org.

the PeNN wrIter • May/June 2020 • www.pennwriters.org

Area 3

PHYSICAL MEETINGS ARE ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

stephanie claypool • Area 3 representative Area3rep@Pennwriters.org

You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

Area 3 Zoom meetings: During the COVID closure, all meetings will be held on Zoom. Email me if you don’t have the meeting links. PArtY!!!!! friday, May 29, 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm. Join with others writers on Zoom, with your beverage of choice, and maybe a nosh. this is purely social. last time we met on Zoom and a grand time was had by all. Meet new writers, get to know your acquaintances better. come when you want and stay as long as you want. email me if you need the Zoom link. second tuesday of the Month Meet-to-chat Meetings are held on the second tuesday of each month from 7-9 p.m.come say “hi!” and enjoy the company and conversation of other local writers. No topics are off the table. Bring your questions, ask for advice, share your query, or first page. for info, email stephanie. the Brainstorming Group - writers helping writers is a gathering of writers to share insights and provide assistance to any writers stuck or needing an opinion, or wants help writing a better story. the group meets every 3rd thursday of the month at 10 a.m. for information contact Janet Mcclintock at (412) 220-7512. the last thursday of the Month meeting will be May 28th at 11:30 a.m. for information: contact Annette Dashofy at car@pennwriters.org.

–MArcUs AUrelIUs

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassions, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen..

Due to Covid 19, we will not be meeting in person in May unless there is change in the Pennsylvania guidelines. **Contact the critique group facilitator if you’re interested in finding out if the groups has made alternative arrangements during this period under Stay at Home guidelines** Aspinwall critique Group the meeting is held on the 1st wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. for more information, contact sandra skowron at skow603@yahoo.com.

–elIZABeth KUBler-ross

My life was my life; I would have to stare it down, somehow, and make it work for me.

the Pittsburgh east writer's Group Meets on the third saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. contact chuck rakiecz at crakiecz@verizon.net. critique Group North Meets on the second thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. contact MaryAlice Meli at maryalicemeli@yahoo.com the Bridgeville critique Group Meets the fourth wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. contact Barb D'souza at barbrett@verizon.net. cranberry township critique Group Meets every three weeks on saturdays at 9:30 am. contact Amy wagner at amywagner00@gmail.com. south hills critique Group Meets one saturday per month at 10 a.m. contact rosemary ray at southside27@outlook.com.

–PAUlA MclAIN

I spent my young adult years postponing many of the small things that I knew would make me happy . . . I was fortunate enough to realize that I would never have the time unless I made the time. And then the rest of my life began. –chrIs PetersoN

the PeNN wrIter • May/June 2020 • www.pennwriters.org

Market News

rePrINtING - colUMN #136

BY JIM lee, AreA 4, AssocIAte eDItor, MArKet rePorts

After several years as an independent press, familius has become the newest imprint of workman Books, a mid-sized company with excellent distribution. familius produces e-books, audiobooks, apps, and videos. their nonfiction titles for adults tend to focus on healthy eating and family values. they also do titles for children (both fiction and nonfiction), from the youngest up to and including the YA market. they want proposals, but having an agent is not required. online submissions are preferred, but they will consider mailed mss. they have detailed guidelines that you need to read and follow at www.familius.com/submissions. Duopass is another imprint from workman. they specialize in innovative nonfiction and gift books for kids, including board books that fold out, flash cards and sticker books. But they also put out a few books in more traditional formats. In any case, they concentrate mostly on books for the very young (age 2 and younger). Again, like the above, they put out some nonfiction for adult readers, much of it humorous. If you are interested in both of these imprints, visit www.workman.com/work-with-us/authorsubmissions#duopress for their guides. Anybody interested in podcasts? here are a couple of markets… the centropic oracle is a canadian podcast of sf/f that pays 1 (canadian) cent per word for stories, 200-6,000 wds long. As is pretty standard among audio markets, they are okay with reprints of stories published in print form (as long as you still have audio rights to sell) or previously unpublished stories. they require a brief written bio and a photo of the author. the photo will be posted on their site, and they’ll do an audio interview with the contributor (based on the bio info, I’m guessing) to accompany the podcast. they want family-friendly material only. Visit www.centropucoracle.com/mainpages/subguide.php. Manawaker studio’s flash fiction Podcast is open to all genres, as long as work is accessible to all ages (family-friendly content only). the editor especially likes light-hearted material, and sci-fi is reportedly most welcome. Pay is ½ cent per word (minimum of $3), and 800 words is their ideal length. (Acceptable range is 2501,500 wds.) their current reading period goes all the way to November 2020, and over that time, they’ll need to buy about 45 pieces. one odd note: send subs—up to 3 at a time—in the body of your submission email. Guides can be found online at www.manawaker.com/ffp-submissions/. You may have heard that the science fiction and fantasy writers of America Group (sffwA) has been pushing for an increase in the pay rates of those markets that want to be considered “big-time pro markets.” that hasn’t just affected genre magazines, as evidenced by the 8 cents/wd now being paid for sf/f stories by the third flatiron Anthologies. they put out two books per year of new works on specific themes—usually sf/f/horror and sometimes humor. Visit www.thirdflatiron.com/livesite/pages/thirdflatiron. 10

the toast, a women’s-issues magazine, is going out business and has stopped accepting material. france revisited is a webzine about travel to france, as well as french culture, the french lifestyle, etc. they pay up to $50 for articles and personal essays. www.francerevisited.com/contact/write-for-us/. holidays for humanity is another somewhat specialized travel website. they want nonfiction on “mindful travel.” Pay is $50-75 (for articles), $100-150 (interviews), and $150-200 (photo essays). to submit, go to www.holidaysforhumanity.com/writing-guidelines/. Another online market is Afterimage, dedicated to all sorts of visual arts (photography, film, videos, etc.). Pay is 5 cents/wd, with a max of $300. www.afterimage.ucpress.edu/content/submit. Grist is an online nonprofit about climate change and sustainability. they want pitches on a wide range of related topics/forms: essays, in-depth investigative journalism, profiles of change-makers, Q&A pieces, etc. Pay is reported as up to 27 cents per word. Visit www.grist.org/about/writers/. ravishly considers itself “the internet’s cool aunt.” this feminist website uses nonfiction on “gender equality, body positivity, pop culture, and cat pictures”—proving they have a sense of humor, I guess. they pay $50-75 per essay. Visit them online at www.ravishly.com/work-with-us. the her stories Project is a website for Gen X women (defined loosely by them as late 30s through late 50s). they want firstperson personal essays (750-2,000 wds) on all aspects of life experiences. Pay is $80. www.herstoriesproject.com/herstories-voices/. the American Interest is a bimonthly about Us policy, politics and culture. Pay varies, but they are open to feature-length essays and film reviews from freelancers. www.the-american-interest.com/submissions/. Next Avenue is a website for the older generation. they need nonfiction, 800-1,000 wds, on all relevant lifestyle topics. Pay is up to 50 cents/wd. www.nextavenue.org/submission-guidelines/. All Arts is a nonfiction webzine that covers, yes, all manner of visual, literary, and performing arts. Pay varies, but is reported up to $250. www.allarts.org/about/contact-us/ is not a guideline page, but it will at least give you addresses to query the editors. wee tales was an enjoyable kids publication that I had a story in several years back. Alas, I’m sorry to report they just went out of business.

the PeNN wrIter • May/June 2020 • www.pennwriters.org

still in planning stages as I write this, oxygen leaks Magazine will soon be an open market for hard-science sf. editor is Patrick Burrows. A monthly e-zine, they’ll be paying 1 cent/wd for stories up to 20,000 wds. New work is welcome; query about reprints. www.oxygenleaks.com/soon is not a guide page, but you can sign up to be notified when they’re ready for submissions. Back on the print-market front, Ufo: Unidentified funny objects will be open in April for humorous sf stories for their annual anthology. editor Alex shvartsman wants unpublished stories, 500-5,000 wds long, and will pay 10 cents/wd. the url is insanely long, so just google “Alex shvartsman Ufo” for details. Mike resnick, well-known editor of Galaxy’s edge, has died. the sf/f magazine will continue under new editor lezli robyn, but they aren’t open just yet: www.galaxysedge.com/submissions/. A spin-off of a respected literary mag, 87 Bedford historic fantasy Anthology is looking for highly literary fantasy stories and magical work set in the past. New tales only, 1,000-5,000 wds. Pay will be 8 cents/wd. the editor is lichen han. sub deadline is April 30, with pub scheduled for July 30. for additional info, visit www.87bedford.com/anthology-historic-fantasy/. Deep Magic is yet another sf/f publication increasing its pay rates. they still want “clean” sf/f (no vulgarity). New stories of 1,000-40,000 wds (but 8 cents/wd pay is capped at just under 7,500 wds, so anything longer gets exactly $599.92). reprints earn 2 cents/wd ($200 max). www.deepmagic.co/submissions/. want to write an opinion piece for the wall street Journal? Visit www.wsj.com/articles/oped-guidelines-for-the-wall-street-journal13843883173. they pay 60 cents/wd for 400-1,000 wds.

Adweek provides news and industry insights for marketers, media pros, advertisers and the like. they pay 50 cents/wd (1,800 wds max) but www.adweek.com/about provides only contact info. still, if you have advertising experience and ideas, give it a look. fun for Kids, a magazine for children ages 6-13 years (main audience: 8-10), does themed issues. they pay 5 cents/wd min. for fiction and nonfiction, and $10 for poems and puzzles. A bimonthly, they use works 300-650 wds, and nonfiction with good accompanying photos is especially sought. A list of upcoming themes is available at www.funforkidsmagazines.com/writer, while other info is at www.funforkidsmagazine.com/ffk.guidelines. oddly, they no longer accept subs online. to send work, mail to fun for Kids, AttN: submissions, Po Box 227, Bluffton, oh 45817. reckoning Press is all about “creative writing on environmental justice.” they’re putting together an anthology (their 5th), focused on “the wonder of nature.” Pay is 8 cents/wd for prose; $30/page for poems. they want fiction, nonfiction and poems. length limit is all the way to 40,000 wds?! sub deadline is sept. 22. the Url for guides is another impossibly long one. I recommend you visit https://reckoning.press/ and keyword search “submission.” An outfit called cemetery Gates Media is reading for an anthology of new horror stories (3,000-6,000 wds) with strong focus on locations (i.e. haunted landmarks). Pay is 5 cents/wd. for a link to their guideline page, visit www.cemeterygatesmedia.com. SOuRCES: Ralan.com, AuthorsPublish.com, FreelanceWriting.com, Facebook’s Open Calls Pages, and Freedom with Writing.com.

News, tips and other info is always welcome. Contact me via email (jimlee.author@gmail.com) and your contributions will be credited (or not) as desired.

2020 Pennwriters Online Courses m

June – Creating A Cast of 3-Dimensional Characters with Annette Dashofy

October – Win nanoWriMo: Part I – Prepare Organize time and space, materials and ideas with Sandra Gould Ford

July – TBA with instructor Deanna Adams August – Quilting 101: Plotting from Scratch Using relationship Arcs with Suzanne Johnson

november – Win nanoWriMo: Part II – Produce From Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, average 8 pages a day of cohesive, organized, 50,000-word-plus drafts with Sandra Gould Ford December – no classes, Happy Holidays!

September – Flash Fiction with Timons Esaias

Visit w w w. p e nnw r i te r s . o r g for details and to register for courses.

the PeNN wrIter • May/June 2020 • www.pennwriters.org

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The Mission of Pennwriters Inc. is to help writers of all levels, from the novice to the award-winning and multipublished, improve and succeed in their craft. Pennwriters, a not-for-profit organization of more than 400 members from Pennsylvania and beyond, was established in 1988 as a networking organization for published and aspiring writers of all genres. The group oﬀers an annual three-day writers conference and area events and has a strong internet presence, with email groups, online classes and social networks. Authors who meet set criteria are granted Published Author status. For more information about Pennwriters and its members, visit www.pennwriters.org or email President@pennwriters.org.

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